What Vero Beach & Sebastian Homeowners Should Know About Property Fraud
For many homeowners in Indian River County, Florida, a home is their largest investment. Whether you live full-time in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Indian River Shores, or own a seasonal or condo property, protecting your property ownership is essential.
One issue many homeowners aren’t aware of is property title fraud — when someone records a deed or mortgage without the homeowner’s knowledge. While it isn’t common, it does happen, and it’s often discovered too late.
Fortunately, Indian River County offers a free Property Fraud Alert service that helps homeowners stay informed.
What Is the Property Fraud Alert in Indian River County?
The Property Fraud Alert is a free service provided by the Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court . Once registered, the system monitors newly recorded public documents and sends an email alert if a document is recorded using your name.
This allows homeowners to quickly review activity related to their property and confirm whether it’s legitimate.
Why Property Fraud Alerts Matter for Local Homeowners
Many fraudulent property filings aren’t discovered until a homeowner tries to sell, refinance, or transfer ownership. Early notification gives homeowners the opportunity to:
- Review recorded documents as soon as they appear
- Catch potential errors or unauthorized filings early
- Take faster action if something doesn’t look right
This service doesn’t prevent documents from being recorded, but it does provide an important layer of awareness and peace of mind for Indian River County homeowners .
Who Should Sign Up?
This free service is available to all property owners in Indian River County, including:
- Homeowners in Vero Beach and Sebastian
- Condo owners and HOA residents
- Seasonal and snowbird homeowners
- Investment property owners
Because alerts are triggered by names listed on recorded documents, homeowners may want to register common name variations for added coverage.
What the Property Fraud Alert Is — and Isn’t
This service is:
- Free and easy to use
- Offered directly by Indian River County
- Designed to increase awareness of public record activity
This service is not:
- Title insurance
- Legal representation
- A substitute for professional or legal advice
If you receive an alert and are unsure what it means, contacting the Clerk of Court or a qualified real estate or legal professional is recommended.
A Simple Step Toward Peace of Mind
Staying informed is one of the easiest ways to protect your home. This free Property Fraud Alert is a small step that can help homeowners in Indian River County, Florida monitor public records tied to their property.
Strong communities are built on informed homeowners — and protecting property ownership helps protect neighborhoods.
If you have questions about homeownership, local real estate resources, or property ownership in Vero Beach, Sebastian, or surrounding areas, I’m always happy to help..
– Michelle